It’s a Bird… It’s a plane… No, wait! It’s a Delta Devaluation!

The News

The U.S. to Europe currently (and has for a long time) costs 62,500 SkyMiles. That’s 125,000 roundtrip. But after January 1, 2017 this will increase by 7,500 points each way, or 15,000 round trip – for a total of 70,000 each way or 140,000 total for the roundtrip.

Notice the change after December 31

It’s not surprising that Delta made another devaluation without giving notice, but at least it does not affect travel or award tickets before that.

Though 62,500 SkyMiles is more than the competition, the award availability and excellent premium products across the pond usually made the 57,500 (United and American) vs 62,500 on Delta / SkyTeam partners, worth it. This is more in line with United’s 70,000 U.S. to Europe in business class on Star Alliance partners (they charge more for using their miles on partners). Where United beats Delta, though, is that they don’t pass fuel surcharges, particularly on the way back from Europe. And Delta does.

Air France’s new business class cabin can currently be redeemed fro 62,500 SkyMiles – Image Courtesy of Air France

And although SkyTeam has less European partners than the Star Alliance, the availability is usually plentiful on Delta, Air France, Alitalia, Aeroflot and non-alliance partner Virgin Atlantic.

Bottom Line

Though I’m disappointed by this increase, Delta has a bad history with its frequent flyers so it’s not too surprising that something like this happened. If you wanted to head to Europe and were planning to use Delta miles, maybe you can shuffle around plans to see some of the sights this coming fall and winter. Paris is beautiful in the winter, and usually not too cold.